An important part of the Bully-Buster® program for schools is our parent information evening. By being informed about the issue of bullying, parents can quickly identify signs that may alert them that their child is being bullied. They will learn how to talk to their child about being bullied, and learn how to raise this matter appropriately with the school. We also aim to give parents some strategies to help avoid bullying within the home between siblings. Below is some of the material covered in our parent information session.

•  Torn clothing •  Physical injury such as bruising •  Loss of money •  Truancy •  Unwillingness to attend school •  Bed wetting •  Withdrawn behaviour •  Refusing to participate in extra-curricular activities •  Over or under eating •  Moody outbursts •  Damaged property

The following are some strategies to help your child deal with bullying. If the situation is not resolving after employing these strategies, you may need extra help.

•  Talk to your child about being in the right place at the right time.

•  Encourage your child to play near a group or with a group.

•  Suggest your child play near the teacher on yard duty or in view of the staff room.

•  Advise your child to leave expensive toys, sports equipment and money at home.

•  Become a social engineer for your child.

•  Ask your child if they would like you to pick them up or meet them at their classroom.

•  Encourage your child to use humour (check that this does not escalate the bullying).

•  Encourage communication at home.

•  Encourage and model confident body language.

•  Teach and model assertive strategies.

•  Encourage your child to use positive self-talk statements.
   eg. "I'm getting stronger on the inside"
         "It's O.K. to be different"

•  Encourage your child to visualise themselves making friends and staying in charge of    their behaviour